After Zayn Malik quit One Direction last March, fans have been impatiently waiting for what he’s going to do next. His FADER cover story shed some light on those final moments in the band before he abruptly left. This morning, Billboard revealed their Zayn Malik cover story and what the budding R&B singer reveals isn’t going to please One Direction fans who were hoping that former bandmates were still close. Malik, his RCA team, and his management commented on his prospects, especially with rumors of Harry Styles inking his own deals and going solo. It’s clear Malik is determined to speak his own mind and make the kind of music he likes.
We haven’t seen a full tracklist yet but the cover story lists songs titled “Wrong,” “She,” “It’s You,” and the previously mentioned “BeFour.” Malik’s first solo LP will be out early this spring via RCA Records.
That’s because I’m enjoying what I’m doing. I’m not censoring myself anymore, so I’m not tired. I love it.
Check out some highlights below.
About his time in One Direction:
“I genuinely enjoyed [the band] and did whatever I could to be myself within that, but it’s just not where I sit as a musician. The other boys’ taste was generally indie rock. It’s good music, but I don’t fuck with it. That was never cool where I was from.”
His relationship with the other four band members:
“The truth of it is, you can think one thing about a situation and the total opposite can happen. I had every intention of remaining friends with everybody, but I guess certain phone numbers have changed and I haven’t received calls from a lot of people. I’ve reached out to a few of them and not got a reply. Certain people have pride issues, but it’s stuff you overcome in time.”
Possible competition with his former band:
“There are no sides to pick. We’re not going head-to-head.”
